Author Archives: Maria - FlowingWatersArt

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About Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I'm a self-taught mixed media artist and have been creating art and a positive atmosphere in my life for as long as I can remember. I live in sunny South Florida, which serves as my inspiration for my use of bright fun colors with a whimsical flair. My goal is to inspire and empower you to find your inner happiness through creativity, as I have in my life. This website includes different tips and techniques that will hopefully inspire your inner muse to create. Welcome and join me on a wonderful journey in creating art!

Choosing Color: A New Direction for My Abstract Art

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Colorful abstract painting featuring shades of pink, purple, and light blue, with circular shapes and textured patterns, alongside a paint palette.

You may have noticed I haven’t added many new pieces to my Etsy shop lately. I’ve been rethinking my direction and making room for the art that feels most like me.

Sometimes, we need to pause and ask ourselves: Am I creating what truly makes me happy so I can share that joy with others? After all, that’s what Share the Happy is all about! đź’–

For me, that means embracing my love of color in new ways, experimenting with different combinations and textures, and letting my imagination lead the way. Have you ever felt the need to take a step back and rediscover what truly inspires you?

Finding the Courage to Follow My Passion

As a self-taught mixed media artist, I’ve explored all sorts of techniques and materials over the years. I love layering paint, adding texture, and seeing what happens when different colors meet on the canvas.

Now, I’m ready to lean further into the playful experimentation and expressive color that bring me the most joy. That means giving my Etsy shop a little revamp, too, with a renewed focus on the original abstract paintings I want to create and share with you.

It’s not about changing everything overnight. It’s about making more room for what feels right.

A Pink Abstract Painting in Progress

My latest 12×12-inch abstract painting is part of that journey. It’s filled with layers of pink, soft lavender, beige, and little touches of gold. I’ve also added circular shapes, loose lines, and distressed textures to give the surface more depth and interest.

Right now, I’m feeling like there’s a little too much pink going on! I’m really loving the lavender and gold, though, and I’d like to bring those colors out a bit more while keeping that soft, dreamy feel that’s starting to emerge.

I’m still deciding what to add next, but I’m enjoying the challenge of finding just the right balance of color. Sometimes, a few small changes can take a painting in a completely new direction!

Making Room for What’s Next

This painting is still a work in progress, just like my evolving artistic direction. I’m giving myself permission to experiment, follow my instincts, and create art that reflects who I am and what I love.

I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me, and I’m happy to have you along for the journey!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your day brings you a little color, inspiration, and something that makes you smile.

Share the Happy đź’–

The Healing Power of Writing Letters You Never Send

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A cozy autumn scene featuring a decorative sheet of paper with colorful leaf designs, a cup of coffee, a candle, and stacked books. The background includes fall foliage and a soft blanket.

Have you ever had something you wished you could say to someone, but knew you probably never would? Maybe there were words left unsaid, feelings that never found their way into a conversation, or something you simply needed to get off your heart. Sometimes, writing a letter can help—and the beautiful part is that you don’t have to send it.

A Place to Put Your Thoughts

There is something freeing about putting your thoughts onto paper without worrying about how they will be received. You can express anger or sadness, share gratitude, or even say goodbye. The letter doesn’t have to be perfect or make complete sense. It’s simply a place to be honest about what’s on your mind.

Writing can also help us understand what we’re actually feeling. Sometimes what begins as anger turns into sadness once we give ourselves permission to explore it. What feels like resentment may really be hurt, and what we thought we needed to say to someone else may reveal something we needed to say to ourselves.

When Words Become Part of the Art

I’ve found another way to do this through my art journaling. Sometimes I’ll write my thoughts and feelings across the background of a journal page, allowing myself to put everything down without worrying about how it sounds or whether anyone else will see it. Then, as I build the page with paint and layers, some of those letters or words may peek through.

You can’t fully read what I’ve written, and that’s intentional. The words were never really meant for anyone else. They were there for me—to clear my mind, work through what I was feeling, and let go of whatever I was carrying. The writing becomes part of the story of the page without needing to be understood by anyone who sees the finished artwork.

You Don’t Have to Send It

When you’re finished writing, you get to decide what happens next. You might keep the letter tucked away in a journal, read it once and put it aside, or safely tear it up as a symbolic way of releasing what you’ve been carrying. Sometimes, simply writing the words is enough.

The healing isn’t necessarily in sending the letter. Sometimes, it’s in finally saying what needed to be said—even if you’re the only person who ever reads it. Writing gives us a chance to acknowledge what’s inside us and begin to let go of what we’ve been carrying.

So, if there are words sitting quietly inside you today, consider putting them on paper. Find a quiet moment, pick up a pen, and write without worrying about grammar or judgment. Say what you need to say. You don’t have to send it or show it to anyone. You may simply find that getting the words out helps you feel a little lighter.

Thank you for spending a little time here with me today. I hope you have a peaceful and wonderful day, and remember that sometimes putting our feelings into words can be the first step toward letting them go.

Share the Happy đź’–

Softening the Layers: Letting an Abstract Painting Breathe

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  • This is where it started;
  • adding more, layers and design elements;
  • soft and dreamy

When I last shared this painting, it was beginning to take on a warm, colorful personality. I had started with pink and orange, letting the colors evolve and seeing where the painting wanted to go.

Well, it turns out it had a little more evolving to do.

As I spent more time looking at it, I realized I wasn’t completely happy with some of the bolder areas. They were competing for attention a little more than I wanted them to, and the overall feeling I was after was softer and more dreamy. So instead of adding more strong colors as I sometimes tend to do, I decided to add more layers of light.

Working over some of the stronger areas with softer shades helped quiet them down while still allowing the layers underneath to show through. I love how mixed media paintings can work this way. You don’t necessarily have to erase something you don’t love—you can transform it, soften it, or let it become just a small part of what comes next.

And I think that’s what this painting needed.

The pinks, peaches, oranges, and lavender are still there, along with the textures, marks, little clusters of dots, and touches of gold. But now they feel more integrated. The lighter layers create a hazier quality that is much closer to what I had imagined.

It’s still not finished, though. I’m getting closer, but there are a few areas I’m still looking at. Sometimes I know immediately when a painting is done, and other times it takes a little patience. I might make another change, or I might simply leave it on my easel for a while and see what I notice the next time I walk past it.

That’s one of my favorite parts of creating abstract art. The painting can change direction several times before it finally tells me, I’m done.

For now, I’m enjoying this softer, dreamier version. We’ll see where it takes me next.

Thank you so much for stopping by and following along with this painting’s journey. I hope you have a creative and wonderful day!

Share the Happy đź’–

Practical Tips for Balancing Career and Family

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A cozy workspace featuring a laptop, a colorful mug with a heart design, a notepad, and flowers in a vase. A dog rests on a nearby couch, with family photos and decorative items in the background.

Have you ever had one of those days when your work needs your attention, your family needs you, and you wish there were a few extra hours in the day—and a few extra copies of you to get it all done?

Between deadlines, family commitments, and the occasional need to simply breathe, balancing career and family life can feel like a never-ending juggling act. We want to do well in our careers, be present for the people we love, and still have a little time left for ourselves.

The truth is, finding that balance isn’t always easy. But perhaps balance doesn’t mean giving everything equal time. Maybe it means making room for what matters most, one day at a time.

Balance Doesn’t Have to Look Perfect

We often imagine balance as a beautifully organized life where everything runs smoothly. Work gets done, family dinners happen, and everyone is happy. But real life rarely follows such a perfect schedule.

Some days, work takes more of our attention. Other days, family needs come first. There may be seasons when your career demands extra energy and others when your personal life needs more of you.

Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about recognizing what needs your attention and being intentional with the time and energy you have.

That might mean accepting that some things can wait, asking for help, or letting go of the pressure to do it all.

Being Present Matters More Than Being Perfect

When life gets busy, it’s easy to be physically present but mentally somewhere else. You might be sitting at the dinner table while thinking about tomorrow’s meeting, or answering work messages when your family is trying to talk with you.

Work responsibilities don’t always allow us to switch off completely, but small moments of genuine connection can make a difference.

Put your phone aside during a conversation when you can. Enjoy a meal together. Ask someone how their day went and really listen. A few minutes of undivided attention can mean more than hours spent together while distracted. Family life is built through these everyday moments, not just the big occasions.

Don’t Forget About Yourself

Somewhere between building a career and caring for others, personal time can easily slip to the bottom of the list. But making time for yourself isn’t selfish. Rest, hobbies, friendships, and quiet moments help you recharge.

You don’t need an entire weekend away to practice self-care. It might be enjoying your morning coffee, taking a walk, reading a few pages, or spending time doing something creative. Even a few minutes can remind you that your needs matter, too.

Find What Works for You

There isn’t one perfect formula for balancing career and family life. What works for one person may not work for another, and your needs may change over time.

Could you set a clearer boundary around work hours? Share more responsibilities at home? Schedule time for family or yourself before the week gets too busy? Small changes can create more breathing room.

A Little Thought for Today

You don’t have to be everything to everyone, every single day. You are a person with needs, dreams, responsibilities, and limits.

Give yourself permission to do your best without expecting perfection. Celebrate the work you accomplish, the moments you share with family, and the little things you do to care for yourself.

A balanced life isn’t a life without busy days. It’s a life where there’s still room for the people and things that bring meaning, joy, and love.

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with a little more peace, connection, and time for what matters most.

Share the Happy đź’–

When Watercolor Takes You Somewhere Unexpected

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A watercolor landscape featuring a serene body of water with a distant green hill and a sandy shore. The color palette includes shades of blue, green, and brown, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Sometimes I start a painting with an idea in mind, but the watercolor has a way of taking over and creating something I didn’t quite expect. This blue and turquoise piece is one of those paintings.

I’ve been working on a series of small watercolor paintings exploring the combination of turquoise, blue, green, and warm golden tones, and I love how differently each one develops. This 8×10 painting started with those familiar colors, but as the layers came together, something really special began happening in the upper portion.

The deeper turquoise and blue create an almost dreamy, atmospheric feeling, while the golden areas seem to glow against them. I especially love the way the colors blend and soften into one another. There’s something about watercolor that makes it difficult to completely control—and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Once the watercolor was finished, I added a little bit of glitter through the center. It catches the light subtly and gives that area a bit of sparkle without overwhelming the painting. I love those little unexpected details that you sometimes don’t notice until you see the artwork in person.

The bottom portion is still making me think. I’m debating whether to add some metallic gold to it. Part of me thinks that a touch of gold could tie the warm tones together and add another layer of shimmer. Another part of me likes the softer, quieter quality it has right now.

And that’s one of the interesting parts of creating art—knowing when to keep going and knowing when to step back.

For now, I’m giving myself permission to simply enjoy it as it is and let the painting sit for a while. Sometimes the best decision is to wait and see what catches your eye the next time you look at it.

I have a feeling this one may have a little more to say before it’s finished. 💙✨

Thank you for stopping by and sharing a little creative time with me. I hope you have a wonderful, colorful day!

Share the Happy đź’–

Mastering the Art of Saying No: Healthy Boundaries

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Have you ever said “yes” to something you really wanted to say “no” to, simply because you didn’t want to disappoint someone? It’s easy to put everyone else’s needs and feelings ahead of our own, especially when we’re used to being the person who helps, listens, and tries to keep the peace.

But saying yes when we really mean no can leave us feeling overwhelmed, resentful, or simply exhausted. We may worry that setting a boundary will make us seem selfish or uncaring, when in reality, healthy boundaries are an important part of taking care of ourselves and maintaining healthy relationships.

A boundary isn’t about shutting people out or putting ourselves first all the time; it’s simply a limit around what we’re comfortable with, what we have the capacity for, and how we want to be treated. It might mean declining an invitation when you need some quiet time, letting someone know you’re not available right now, or choosing not to continue a conversation that has become disrespectful.

Why Does Saying No Feel So Hard?

For many of us, guilt shows up almost immediately when we try to set a boundary. We might think, They’ll be upset with me, I should help, or Maybe I’m being selfish, but feeling guilty doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve done something wrong.

Sometimes guilt simply means we’re doing something unfamiliar. If you’ve spent years trying to keep everyone happy, choosing your own needs can feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort doesn’t mean you need to change your decision.

You Can Be Kind and Still Say No

One of the most freeing things about setting boundaries is realizing that kindness and boundaries can exist together. You can care about someone deeply and still say, “I’m not able to do that right now,” without offering a lengthy explanation or apologizing for having limits.

Saying no to something doesn’t mean you’re saying no to the person, and protecting your time and energy doesn’t make you selfish.

Start Small

If setting boundaries feels difficult, start small by giving yourself permission to pause before answering a request instead of automatically saying yes. Try saying, “Let me think about it and get back to you,” when you’re unsure, giving yourself time to decide what actually feels right for you.

The more you practice listening to your own needs, the easier it becomes to recognize where a boundary is needed. You don’t have to become an expert at saying no overnight.

Healthy boundaries aren’t walls; they’re gentle reminders that your time, energy, and well-being matter, too. And perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you can disappoint someone and still be a good person.

So take a moment to consider where you might need a little more breathing room in your life. Maybe your next boundary doesn’t have to be a big or dramatic “no”; maybe it can simply be a quiet, confident, “That doesn’t work for me.”

Thank you for spending part of your day with me, and I hope you find a little more peace, space, and kindness toward yourself along the way.

Share the Happy đź’–

Creative Evolution of Abstract Landscapes

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  • Before….
  • After!

Last week, I shared a peek at this watercolor while it was still a work in progress. I had the basic composition in place, but I knew it needed more depth, color, and a little something extra.

Now it’s finished—and for the moment, I’m calling it Shimmering Tides. Although, knowing me, the title may still change!

Before… and After!

Looking back at the “Before” version I shared last week, it’s fun to see how much this little abstract landscape changed! A few more layers of color added depth and richness, while the gold and silver highlights gave it that final touch of shimmer and whimsy.

I love how abstract art allows me to suggest a landscape without having to paint every detail literally. The flowing shapes, layered colors, and shifting tones create a sense of place while leaving plenty of room for the imagination.

For this piece, I built up the blues and greens and balanced them with warm sandy tones. Each layer added a little more depth and movement, helping the composition feel more complete.

But my favorite part came at the end: the shimmer!

I added touches of gold and silver throughout the painting, which catch the light and give the piece an unexpected sparkle. They’re subtle in some areas and more noticeable in others, adding just a touch of whimsy without taking away from the watercolor.

It’s always interesting to see how a painting evolves. Sometimes I start with one idea and the artwork takes me somewhere completely different. That’s part of what makes creating abstract art so much fun!

Looking at the Before and After, I’m really happy with how this little abstract landscape evolved. It has the peaceful feeling I was hoping for, but with a little more color, depth, and sparkle than where it began.

Thank you so much for stopping by and following along with my creative journey. I hope your day is filled with color, creativity, and something that makes you smile.

Share the Happy đź’–

Understanding Biohacking: Simple Habit Changes for Better Living

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The word biohacking can sound futuristic, bringing to mind wearable devices, cold plunges, supplements, and high-tech wellness gadgets. At its most practical, however, biohacking is simply a personalized approach to improving how you feel and function through thoughtful changes to your daily habits and routines.

Biohacking can involve improving sleep, increasing physical activity, adjusting eating habits, managing stress, or making changes to your daily environment. Some people use technology, such as fitness watches or sleep trackers, while others focus on familiar habits like taking regular walks, eating balanced meals, creating a relaxing evening routine, and protecting time for sleep.

The central idea is simple: pay attention to how you feel, make one sensible change, and notice whether it helps.

A Focus on Everyday Habits

Many of the most reliable approaches associated with biohacking are already familiar health habits. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, and avoiding excessive alcohol are generally considered lower-risk ways to support health and well-being.

For example, someone who often feels tired in the morning might try going to bed at a consistent time, limiting late-night screen use, and taking a short walk outdoors early in the day. Paying attention to changes in sleep, energy, and mood can help reveal whether those adjustments are making a difference.

The goal is not perfection or constant self-optimization. Instead, it is about learning which routines help you feel your best.

Learning What Works for You

People respond differently to routines, which is why a personalized approach can be helpful. A morning workout may feel energizing for one person, while another may prefer exercising later in the day.

The same is true when it comes to tracking habits. A fitness app or wearable device may be useful for someone who enjoys data, while another person may find constant monitoring stressful.

Biohacking works best when it remains flexible, realistic, and guided by how you actually feel rather than relying entirely on numbers displayed on a screen.

Wearables, Tracking, and Data

Smartwatches and fitness trackers can provide useful information about steps, exercise, heart rate, and estimated sleep. When used thoughtfully, they may reveal helpful patterns, such as noticing that late caffeine affects sleep or that regular walks improve your mood.

However, data should be viewed as a clue rather than a diagnosis. Consumer devices have limitations, and an imperfect sleep score does not necessarily mean something is wrong. If tracking begins to create anxiety or unnecessary stress, it may be time to step back.

Where Caution Matters

Biohacking becomes riskier when it involves extreme diets, unproven supplement combinations, prescription drugs used without medical guidance or implanted devices. These approaches may involve side effects, medication interactions, injuries, infections, or claims with little scientific evidence behind them.

Supplements also deserve special caution. In the United States, dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. A healthcare professional or pharmacist can help determine whether a supplement is appropriate, especially for someone taking medication or managing a health condition.

A Balanced Way Forward

The most grounded approach to biohacking is really a thoughtful approach to self-care. Start with proven basics, make sensible changes to your routine, and choose habits that can be maintained without stress or obsession.

Getting enough sleep, moving regularly, eating nourishing foods, making time for recovery, and remaining skeptical of miracle claims can provide a strong foundation for overall well-being.

Perhaps the best biohack is the least complicated one: a healthy routine that fits comfortably into your life and helps you feel your best.

Thank you for being here and sharing a little part of your day with me. I hope you have a wonderful day and find a little time to appreciate the small, healthy habits that support your well-being.

Share the Happy đź’–

Exploring Imagination Through Abstract Watercolor Art

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Have you ever looked at a painting and felt like you could step right into it?

Not necessarily a place you’ve visited. Maybe it’s a place that feels familiar for reasons you can’t quite explain. A place that exists somewhere between memory and imagination, where the colors seem a little brighter, the possibilities a little wider, and anything feels possible. That’s the feeling I wanted to explore with this painting.

This piece is part of a series I’ve been creating, and while each painting has its own personality, I wanted this one to feel like an invitation to pause, look a little closer, and see where your imagination takes you.

A Little Mystery in Color

The deep blue washes draw me in first. There’s something about the way the watercolor moves across the paper, creating soft textures and subtle variations, that makes me want to linger. Below the blues, turquoise and green bring a refreshing burst of color before the painting warms into golden yellows, oranges, and earthy browns.

I love the contrast between the cool and warm tones. There’s a sense of movement, but also a feeling of stillness. The colors seem to flow into one another, leaving little spaces for the imagination to fill in.

And that’s where the mystery comes in. What do you see when you look at it? A place? A memory? Something completely unexpected? Maybe that’s the fun of painting abstract art. You don’t have to explain everything.

Letting the Colors Lead

One of my favorite things about working with watercolor is the way it has a mind of its own. Water moves, pigments blend, and sometimes the most interesting details happen when you aren’t trying to control every little thing.

This painting came together through that balance of intention and happy surprises. I knew I wanted to explore the blues and greens, but I also wanted the warm colors to have their moment. I love how the golden-orange tones bring a completely different energy to the painting, creating a conversation between cool and warm, soft and bold.

And somewhere in between, there’s a little bit of magic.

What Do You See?

One of the things I love most about abstract art is that we don’t all have to see the same thing. When I look at this painting, I find myself drawn into its colors and flowing shapes. There’s something about the combination of deep blues, refreshing greens, and warm golden tones that makes me want to linger for a while.

But what do you see? Maybe you see a landscape, the ocean, a distant horizon, or something that reminds you of a favorite place. Or perhaps the colors and textures bring a completely different image to mind. And that’s the wonderful thing about abstract art. There are no wrong answers.

A painting can become something different for each person who looks at it. What speaks to me might not be what speaks to you, and I think that’s part of the magic.

I hope this little watercolor gives you a moment to pause, enjoy the colors, and let your imagination wander wherever it wants to go.

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a little time with me. I hope your day is filled with beautiful moments and happy little discoveries.

Share the Happy đź’–

Beautiful Eco-Friendly Home Design Ideas for 2026

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What if making our homes more beautiful could also make them kinder to the planet?

Eco-friendly home design has come a long way. It’s no longer just about solar panels or recycling bins. In 2026, sustainable design is becoming more thoughtful, personal, and beautiful—focusing on how our homes make us feel while also considering their impact on the world around us.

And the best part? You don’t have to completely remodel your home to embrace the idea.

Bringing Nature Inside

One of the biggest trends is biophilic design, which simply means creating stronger connections between our indoor spaces and nature. Think houseplants, natural light, organic textures, wood, stone, water, and colors inspired by the outdoors.

Even something as simple as opening the curtains to let in more natural light or adding a few plants can make a room feel fresher and more inviting.

Choosing Materials That Last

There’s also growing interest in reclaimed, recycled, natural, and bio-based materials. Recycled glass countertops, bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, and natural materials such as stone and clay are finding their way into contemporary homes. But sustainability isn’t only about what something is made from. How long it lasts matters, too.

Choosing furniture and décor that are well made, repairable, and timeless can help us move away from the cycle of constantly buying and replacing things. Sometimes the most eco-friendly choice is simply keeping and loving what we already have.

Smarter Ways to Save Energy and Water

Technology is becoming another quiet part of sustainable design. Energy-efficient appliances, smart lighting, solar energy, and systems that help monitor water and energy use can make a meaningful difference without changing the look of a home.

Water conservation is especially important. The EPA notes that WaterSense-labeled homes can use significantly less water and energy than typical homes, while saving homeowners money on utility bills.

Even small changes—fixing leaks, choosing efficient fixtures, using native plants, or being more mindful about water use—can add up.

Making Sustainability Beautiful

Perhaps my favorite trend is that eco-friendly design doesn’t have to look clinical, plain, or overly minimalist. Natural textures, warm wood tones, handmade pieces, colorful artwork, plants, vintage finds, and meaningful objects can all work beautifully together. In fact, today’s design trends are embracing homes that feel personal rather than perfectly coordinated. And maybe that’s the real lesson. A sustainable home doesn’t have to be perfect. It simply needs to be thoughtful.

We can choose something because it is durable instead of disposable. Bring something home because we truly love it instead of because it’s trendy. Repurpose something rather than replacing it. Open a window, grow a plant, turn off a light, or simply appreciate what we already have.

Our homes tell the story of how we live. Perhaps the most beautiful trend of all is creating a home that reflects not only our personal style, but also our care for the world around us.

Thank you for spending a little time with me today. I hope you find a small way to make your home—and your day—a little more beautiful.

Have a wonderful day, and remember to Share the Happy đź’–